Gum Disease Therapy
Gum Disease | Cyncoed | Cardiff | Private Dentist
Gum Disease Therapy in Cyncoed, Cardiff, we'd love to help
Gum disease is a problem for many people. It affects the tissues around the teeth, causing swelling, redness and pain. Left untreated, it can cause recession of the gums and even the loss of teeth.
Gum disease affects 90% of UK adults to a greater or lesser extent. Luckily, there are some simple ways to prevent it. Regular brushing and frequent dental check-ups and hygienist sessions are the best way to protect yourself.
What are the main types of gum disease?
Gum disease falls into three main categories. These are gingivitis, periodontitis and acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG). Gingivitis is a fairly common inflamation of the tissues around your teeth. It may not be too serious on its own but, if left untreated, it can cause periodontitis. This is a more serious gum disease affecting the bones and ligaments supporting your teeth. ANUG can develop suddenly and is also a serious form of gum disease.
Gum disease doesn’t always hurt, so it can be easy to miss. Regular check-ups are important for catching gum disease early.
How is gum disease treated?
Your treatment will depend on the seriousness of your condition. All treatment is designed to tackle existing gum disease while also preventing future problems.
It is sometimes possible to treat mild gingivitis with nothing more than daily brushing and flossing. Your dentist or hygienist will book you in for regular check-ups to monitor your gums. They’ll check the size of any pockets that might have developed and look for signs of bleeding in order to catch any problems before they become serious.
If your dentist finds signs of periodontitis:
Using a periodontal probe, your dentist will measure the depth of any gaps between your gums and teeth. They may also look for signs of plaque and tartar, and check to see if your gums bleed too easily. An X-ray may sometimes be used to check the condition of your jawbone and teeth.
Both periodontitis and acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) are sometimes treated with root planning. This involves removing tartar, plaque and damaged tooth covering. In order to keep you comfortable, your dentist or hygienist may administer a local anaesthetic during the procedure. For more serious infections, we may recommend a course of antibiotics. Your hygienist may also recommend an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent bacterial growth. However, existing plaque can’t be removed with mouthwash alone. It must be brushed away by a trained hygienist.
Patients with severe periodontitis may find that these treatments aren’t enough. In these cases, you will be referred to a periodontist for gum surgery. A periodontist is a specially trained healthcare professional who focuses on the treatment of periodontal diseases. Gum surgery can eliminate bacteria and repair damaged gums and bone. It can also improve the appearance of your teeth and ease pain.
How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease is caused by plaque build-up around poorly cleaned teeth. It can be harder to clean your teeth properly if you have braces, implants or dentures.
The chances of developing gum disease are increased by smoking, diabetes and pregnancy, as well as taking medication that dries out your mouth and eating sugary foods. Older people and those with weak immune systems are also more at risk.
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